The escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, with bombings and partial closures of airspace in the Gulf region, has once again shaken the 2026 Formula 1 calendar. The Grands Prix of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are under security evaluation. In the event of a possible double vacancy in the schedule, European circuits are being strongly considered as replacements. In this scenario, a possibility that excites the French Alpine team and Argentine driver Franco Colapinto emerges: the return of the French Grand Prix, as learned by Noticias Argentinas Agency.
The Paul Ricard circuit is considered one of the "probable" options in case Formula 1 needs two substitute venues. The French track has FIA homologation, modern infrastructure, and recent experience hosting Grands Prix. For Alpine, it would literally be a home race. However, the FIA maintains constant monitoring of the geopolitical situation and prioritizes the safety of teams, drivers, and personnel. If the tension escalates and the cancellation of one or both races is confirmed, Formula 1 will need immediate replacements.
The team based in Enstone but with a French identity would have a home race that would boost its sporting and commercial exposure during the 2026 season. And that's where Colapinto comes in: the Argentine driver could compete in a weekend with completely favorable conditions for his team on a circuit that was a stable part of the calendar until 2022.
In addition to Paul Ricard, the other two strong candidates are the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari (Italy), host of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, and the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, which has delivered great races in its recent time in the category. Both venues have already demonstrated the ability to activate quickly in the face of calendar changes, something crucial if the Gulf dates are ultimately suspended.
What will happen with Bahrain and Saudi Arabia? For now, there is no official cancellation of the Grands Prix in the Middle East.
